President Thomas S. Monson
“Our opportunities to shine are limitless. They surround us each day, in whatever circumstance we find ourselves,” President Thomas S. Monson said during a devotional at Brigham Young University on November 1, 2011.
Of the 50 definitions that the dictionary offers on “light,” President Monson said that his favorite definition is “something that illuminates.”
Speaking of the Savior and His Atonement, President Monson said that although members of the Church come from various backgrounds, “we have in common the gospel of Jesus Christ. … It is our responsibility to share the truth with others. … Ours is the responsibility to keep our lights bright for others to see and follow.”
But first, in order to become an example of the believers, President Monson said, we ourselves must believe.
Gain a Personal Testimony
Among the most effective ways to gain and keep the faith, President Monson said, is to read and study the scriptures and to pray consistently.
“Have you read the Book of Mormon? Have you put to the test the promise found in Moroni 10:4? Have you asked if the book is true?” President Monson said.
“Set aside time every day to find out for yourselves if the Book of Mormon is a true book, for it will change your heart and change your life,” President Monson said. “I promise that you will receive an answer.”
Become a Beacon of Righteousness
“As we follow the example of the Savior, ours will be the opportunity to be a light to all we meet,” President Monson said.
Speaking of those who reflect the light of righteousness, President Monson said that the special spirit felt around such people makes others want to associate with them and follow their example. “When we encounter them, they are a powerful influence, for they radiate the love of the Savior and help us feel His love for us.”
“You will become a beacon of righteousness, even a light for all to see. Said the Savior, ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven,’ ” President Monson said.
Remember who you are
Referencing an exchange between Simba and his departed father, Mufasa, from Disney’s movie, “The Lion King,” President Monson said, “Look inside yourself. You are more than what you have become. Remember who you are.”
He continued by saying, “You are a son or daughter of our Heavenly Father.
You came from His presence to live on this earth for a season, and to live in such a way that you are an example of the believers and a true light to the world.”
“Just think of how much good can come to the world through our collective lights and let the gospel radiate through us,” President Monson said.
Seek God's Assistance
With the decline of religion in our society, President Monson noted that many people think they have no need for a higher power and do not hearken to the counsel of God. “They suppose they know it themselves,” President Monson said noting that it is easy to fall into erroneous thinking— that we can handle anything that comes our way and that we don’t need God’s assistance.
Remember, he said, “We are spiritual beings having a human experience.”
He quoted the Apostle Paul, who admonished in 1 Timothy 4:12, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity…”
President Monson concluded by saying, “May we always be known as followers of Christ and as such, become as lights in the world.”
